Navy looking to shell out big bucks to keep pilots

The Navy plans to shell out big bucks to aviators as retention starts to fray among fighter pilots and others, the Navy’s personnel boss told Congress Wednesday. Vice Adm. Robert Burke, the chief of naval personnel, said some pilots could soon be getting a boost to their retention bonuses as the Navy tries to fend off competition from the airline industry and quell growing frustration and pilot concerns over a lack of flying hours and broken aircraft. The proposed adjustments could put another $25,000 in the pockets of officers if they accept the bonus. According to Burke, boosts will be aimed at retaining officers up for their department head tours — typically O-4s — and post-command aviators — O-5s and O-6s — Burke said. In an email to Navy Times, Burke’s spokesman said overall retention is good in the aviation community. “While Naval Aviation continues to meet all fleet...